Kiwanians light up the Zoo for the 25th year

Kiwanians presented their annual festival of lights Saturday, lighting up the Racine Zoo and continuing a tradition begun more than 30 years ago by industrialist George Wheary.

For 25 years, the lights have been at the Zoo, surrounding the centerpiece waterfall that is 24 ft. tall and lit by more than 2,000 bulbs. They came on today shortly before 6 p.m., following an evening of holiday carols sung by the Park High School Vocal Ensemble and the Racine Dairy Statesman, and the arrival of Santa Claus leading two of his reindeer.

As if that was not enough, it was followed by fireworks from the beach behind the Kiwanis Amphitheatre, and then the lights came on -- to appreciative oohs and ahs. If you weren't there, here's what it all looked like:

The Park High School Vocal Ensemble

The Racine Dairy Statesmen

Best seat in the house